Meet Watford-born UK Open Mic performer Clare Cordell:

Hi Clare Cordell, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

How old are you?

32

Where were you born?

Watford

Where did you grow up?

Watford

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

Well i’m from the same area as George Michael and we went to the same school (OBVIOUSLY not a the same time) so there are some big boots to fill! Also Elton John has links to Watford!

Where are you based now, and why?

I am based around Watford and London!

What got you into making music in the first place?

Its a way to express myself that feels the most honest.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing, Piano

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

Aretha Franklin, Whitney, Brandi Carlile, Carole King, Amy Winehouse and Bonnie Raitt to name a few! STRONG FEMALES. They are arguably some of the best story tellers and creators in music and I adore them all!

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

20 ish…

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

My process changes depending on what I’m creating! Sometimes i will have a lyric playing round my brain that i need to work out into some kind of format almost like poetry, then other times i’ll hear a chord progression or a tune and have to spend ages working it out on the piano to formulate something! I have also been known to send incoherent voice notes to some of my musician friends asking them to make sense of something for me!

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

10

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

Its a great place to practice material and for me its a good way to showcase things I don’t think are good enough and actually trust the audiences opinions. Its also a great place to meet other artists.

What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?

Don’t be too concerned about perfection! ultimately your talent is enough.

What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?

Basically taking my own advice and not being too concerned about being perfect. I am so critical of my own work that if its not (in my opinion) 100% perfect i wont share it.

What’s the most bizarre, or fun, open mic, or gig, you’ve ever played, and why?

I did a random gig once on the back of a moving truck at a fireworks night

If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?

Yes

What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?

The hardest thing for me is coming from a place of no money, so hustling a full time job and music is tough. But its possible!

What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?

That i am actually an introvert!

What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?

I cant go into too many details (cause i’ve signed stuff!) but i’m working on something super fun coming out in the summer!

Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?

https://www.youtube.com/c/ClareCordell/videos

Do you have music on streaming? What’s you main streaming channel to send people to?

Where is the main place should people go to find out more about you?

https://linktr.ee/clarecordell

What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?

www.instagram.com/clarecordell/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.instagram.com/clarecordell/

We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?

No thanks!